'Big History' by Cynthia Stokes Brown takes readers on an exhilarating journey through time, exploring the interconnectedness of the universe, Earth, and human civilization. This ambitious narrative weaves together insights from cosmology, geology, biology, and history, illuminating how our collective story is woven into the fabric of the cosmos. Brown challenges conventional historical perspectives, urging us to consider our place in the grand tapestry of time. Packed with thought-provoking concepts, the book invites readers to ponder the origins of life and the future of humanity. It's a compelling read that will leave you questioning the scale and significance of our existence.
By Cynthia Stokes Brown
Published: 2012
""The universe is not just a backdrop for human history; it is woven into the very fabric of our existence, reminding us that we are all part of a grand, interconnected story.""
Extend the human story backward for the five thousand years of recorded history and it covers no more than a millionth of a lifetime of the Earth. Yet how do we humans take stock of the history of our planet, and our own place within it? A "vast historical mosaic" (Publishers Weekly) rendered engaging and accessible, Big History interweaves different disciplines of knowledge to offer an all-encompassing account of history on Earth. Since its publication, Cynthia Brown's "world history on a grand scale" (Kirkus) has been translated into nine languages and has helped propel the "big history" concept to viral status. This new edition of Brown's seminal work is more relevant today than ever before, as we increasingly must grapple with accelerating rates of change and, ultimately, the legacy we will bequeath to future generations. Here is a pathbreaking portrait of our world, from the birth of the universe from a single point the size of an atom to life on a twenty-first-century planet inhabited by 7 billion people.
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“"The universe is not just a backdrop for human history; it is woven into the very fabric of our existence, reminding us that we are all part of a grand, interconnected story."”
Big History
By Cynthia Stokes Brown
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Cynthia Stokes Brown is an esteemed author and educator, known for her engaging works that often explore themes of social justice and history. Among her notable books are 'Collaborative Learning: Underlying Processes and Effective Techniques' and 'Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present'. With a writing style that combines thorough research with accessible prose, Brown has made complex topics approachable for a broad audience, making her a respected voice in contemporary literature.
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In 'Guns, Germs, and Steel,' Jared Diamond investigates the factors that have shaped human societies over the last 13,000 years. He argues that environmental differences, rather than racial genetics, have been the primary drivers of inequality among civilizations. The book explores how agriculture, technology, and disease have influenced the rise and fall of empires. Through compelling narratives and insightful analysis, Diamond uncovers the unexpected connections between geography and history. Readers are left questioning the very foundations of societal development and the future of humanity.
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